How can Antonio Basco carry on? He just lost his wife, Margie Reckard, of 22 years in the El Paso Walmart shooting. They lived a plain life and had no children together. Antonio had no other family of his own. He considered his wife “his saint.” He envisioned that he would be saying good bye to his life partner on his own. Then he invited the public…and they came from far and wide to share in his grief. There were thousands (in the church and in the line outside) and some waited hours to give him an embrace of comfort. They cared and wanted to let Antonio know that his life and the life of his wife mattered.
The tragic loss of life for Margie and the others in El Paso (and with all of the unnecessary gun violence—the list is far too long) is felt by all. While it can be easy to depersonalize the losses, it is crucial to remember that no one deserves to be forgotten. Everyone lost is precious and deserves proper respect. I am so proud of my fellow citizens that they were able to come to El Paso and provide solace to this unfortunate man.
The lyrics from the song YOU WILL BE FOUND from the musical Dear Evan Hansen dramatically emphasize that there is always hope and loved ones to help when all else seems lost and nothing can be done. YOU WILL BE FOUND is an absolutely beautiful anthem to the human spirit, whether broken or not, and the powers of restoration. I hope and pray that Mr. Basco and those similarly affected will find solace and peace in the days and years ahead.
Even when the dark comes crashin’ through
When you need a friend to carry you
When you’re broken on the ground
YOU WILL BE FOUND
(August 17, 2019)